Anyone have more news on Chrysler Buyout Early Retirement Packages offered 2/27/07??

Question

I have read some of the articles regarding this but all my searches today keep bringing up the same article. I'd be interested in what is coming out in the new in Detroit, Newark and St. Louis where this really impacts alot of people. We are in Ohio and it is hitting us near the stamping plant, parts depot and another plant in Toledo.
Specific info on what is in the package for sure is what we are looking for, not repeats of what is in the news.. Thanks

Answer 1

DETROIT -- The Chrysler Group has reached an agreement with the Canadian Auto Workers on buyout and early retirement packages, union officials said Thursday.

The Auburn Hills-based unit of DaimlerChrysler AG announced Wednesday that it plans to cut 13,000 jobs _ 2,000 of them in Canada _ as it seeks to cut costs and return to profitability in 2008.

The CAW packages are being offered to employees at the Windsor Assembly Plant, Brampton Assembly Plant and Etobicoke Casting Plant, CAW President Buzz Hargrove told the Detroit Free Press for a story posted on the newspaper's Web site.

Up to 1,600 Canadian workers will be offered one of the packages, CAW Local 444 President Ken Lewenza told The Detroit News.

The CAW packages include $70,000 for hourly workers eligible for early retirement; $85,000 for eligible skilled trades workers; and a $30,000 vehicle voucher to purchase a Chrysler vehicle between now and September 2008, the newspapers reported.

Retiring workers who forfeit all post-retirement benefits other than their pension would receive an additional $40,000.

The buyout packages include $50,000 for CAW members with one to five years of service; $75,000 for workers with five to eight years of service; and $100,000 for workers with eight or more years.

Chrysler said Thursday that its reorganization plan would have significant impact in southeastern Michigan, where 5,300 people will lose their jobs by 2009. Officials have not reached an agreement with the United Auto Workers union on buyout or early-retirement packages, a Chrysler spokeswoman said.